Hosting a Family Web page

[DarkJello]

I have a large but very close extended family that likes to take a lot of pictures. What I'm planning to do is run a web accessible server for my family members to upload their personal pictures of our get togethers to share with the rest of the family.

Does OS X Server allow that? The wiki seems to be capable but is it too clunkly for that function? Do I need to register a domain even though I'm not interested in running a mail server?

AND

Is there simply a better solution? I have a spare computer, so I am more inclined to run a server then purchase a NAS.

Thanks for the help everyone

 

[DaPhatty]

Is there a reason why you would want to host this yourself as opposed to doing this via a service like Wix, Foursquare, etc? I only ask because the amount of work involved to host your own site is considerable and there are many low/no-cost turn-key solutions out there that drastically reduce the effort involved with creating a website.

With regards to your domain registration question - If you want to have a specific domain, say http://www.myfamilyname.com, then yes you will need to register a domain. This is true regardless of whether you host your website or find a service to host it for you.

 

[1911]

Yes OSX server will do that, but the amount of time to setup Server properly would be more than setting up a NAS. Take a look at the Synology web site. You could setup a website on a Synology much quicker. Also, take a look at the Photo Station app on the Synology, that may suit your needs as well?

Then as far as registering a domain name, it is not mandatory, but would make things much easier for your visitors. Note that you will require to configure port forwarding in your router to point to your web server.
You also have the option to host your website with any web provider which eliminates your need to maintain a server.

You stated you have a spare computer, slap a Linux distro on it and you have a web server.

.... You have lots of options, look at them all, choose the one that fits.

 

[960design]

You could absolutely host your own server, I'm running two right now. But as already stated it is a bit of a full time job. For clients I use hosting companies like JustHost or HostGator. Just google best hosting companies 2013 and you'll get a list, pick the one you like best.

A hosting company takes care of lots of stuff for you. For example after you pick you hosting company, you can literally one-click install Wordpress. Search for a gallery theme you like, one click install that. Prettify a front page for the site and add some user accounts to give your family the ability to add photos. You could have your site up and running in a couple of hours, with no maintenance, electricity costs, power outage downtimes, worrying about security updates, paying for the commercial internet access probably required by your ISP to host a site at your home, ect.

Good Luck!